Braces are the long-trusted treatment for crooked teeth… but what if there was a healthier solution for your smile?

Invisalign is an alternative treatment to metal braces. The teeth are gradually moved by a series of aligners (clear, thin plastic material). These aligners are easily removed which has the added benefit of allowing easier access to brush and floss which removes the harmful bacteria. As the aligners are transparent they cannot be seen by the naked eye. For special occasions such as weddings, they can be left out for a few hours.

When teeth are crowded, food and plaque can be trapped more easily. This becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, where the bacteria will thrive which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Over time, this results in the gradual loss of teeth or costly treatment such as root canal treatment and crowns to save the teeth. By straightening your teeth with Invisalign there is an added therapeutic effect and benefit.

Everyone knows that hygiene is important

Of course, brushing and flossing are important for keeping your teeth healthy, but it’s the reason for its importance that makes it relevant to Invisalign. Brushing and flossing gets rid of food particles that build up as you eat over the day. If you don’t brush and floss then all of this food will remain in contact with your teeth and gums and can cause cavity-creating bacteria.

This is even worse for patients with braces as the food that becomes trapped in braces creates a breeding ground for bacteria. Bacteria will thrive, may decay your teeth and can over time increase your risk of gum disease which causes inflamed gums, accelerated decay and an increased risk of infection.

Invisalign doesn’t trap food

Even if you don’t floss your teeth (like you should) – braces increase the areas that food can become stuck in. Instead of just the corners of your teeth and the depressions of your teeth, food can then become stuck in the brackets of your braces. Invisalign doesn’t have this problem which makes taking care of your teeth a lot easier.

If you have metal braces they will also require a different method of cleaning compared to regular flossing. You’ll need to floss your brackets thoroughly to prevent teeth getting ‘tan lines’ which can happen if you do not clean your teeth enough while having braces treatment. With Invisalign this is not an issue as Invisalign is completely removable when cleaning your teeth. You’ll be able to brush and floss exactly like you have in the past – No tan lines and a healthier smile.

Invisalign is the healthier choice for adults

Even if you don’t have a history of decay and disease you are still at risk. Most situations of gum disease occur in adults so even if you didn’t have any problems as a child or adolescent it is possible you will get gingivitis and periodontitis later in life. Your risk of this may increase if you have traditional braces as you get older, and it may impact your appearance.

Visit Hyde Park Dental Care in Sydney for a consultation to find out if Invisalign would benefit your smile.